U.S. patent application number 13/732734 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-06 for locking screw driver handle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Alphatec Spine, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Alphatec Spine, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael D. Ensign.
Application Number | 20130139658 13/732734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40342039 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130139658 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ensign; Michael D. |
June 6, 2013 |
LOCKING SCREW DRIVER HANDLE
Abstract
A driver including a handle, lever, swivel cap, shaft, and a tip
mechanically connected to the lever configured to engage a screw.
Engaging the lever causes the tip to either compress or expand so
as to lock the screw to the driver. According to one exemplary
embodiment, the cap can be translated releasing the lever, thereby
releasing the screw from the tip. According to one embodiment, the
cap is a swivel cap allowing for jeweler style use. Advantages of
the present system and method, according to various embodiments,
include a tip compressing a feature that is within an outer
diameter of the screw allowing a driver, or a portion thereof, to
have a maximum diameter equal to or smaller than the maximum
diameter of a screw.
Inventors: |
Ensign; Michael D.; (Salt
Lake City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Alphatec Spine, Inc.; |
Carlsbad |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Alphatec Spine, Inc.
Carlsbad
CA
|
Family ID: |
40342039 |
Appl. No.: |
13/732734 |
Filed: |
January 2, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12187590 |
Aug 7, 2008 |
7938044 |
|
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13732734 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
81/452 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25B 23/101 20130101;
B25B 13/44 20130101; B25B 23/105 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
81/452 |
International
Class: |
B25B 23/10 20060101
B25B023/10 |
Claims
1-33. (canceled)
34. A fastening system comprising: a screwdriver including: a
handle having a proximal end and a distal end; a cap member
disposed on said proximal end of said handle; a shaft having a
proximal end and a distal end protruding from said distal end of
said handle; a tip disposed on said distal end of said shaft; an
engagement member pivotably disposed on said handle, wherein said
engagement member is coupled to said tip and configured to
selectively actuate said tip; said tip being configured to
selectively and compressibly secure a screw to said screwdriver
when actuated; wherein said cap member includes a protrusion
disposed on a distal end and said engagement member includes a
retention orifice; wherein said cap member is configured to engage
said engagement member via said retention orifice in said engaged
position; and wherein said cap member is configured to release said
engagement member from said engaged position when said cap member
is translated in a proximal direction with respect to said
handle.
35. The fastening system of claim 34, wherein said cap member
comprises a rotatable cap disposed on said proximal end of said
handle, said rotatable cap being rotatably coupled to said
handle.
36. The fastening system of claim 35, wherein said rotatable cap is
configured to release said engagement member from an engaged
position when said rotatable cap is translated in a proximal
direction with respect to said handle.
37. The fastening system of claim 34 further comprising a screw,
wherein said screw comprises: a threaded shaft including a proximal
end and a distal end; and a head disposed on said proximal end of
said threaded shaft; wherein said head includes at least one
feature configured to be compressibly mated with said tip of said
screwdriver.
38. The fastening system of claim 37, wherein said at least one
feature comprises a tapered surface disposed within an outer
diameter of said head of said screw.
39. The fastening system of claim 38, wherein said at least one
feature protrudes from said head; and wherein said engagement
member is configured to selectively retract and advance said tip;
said tip including a tapered surface, wherein retraction of said
retractable tip into said shaft compresses said retractable tip
causing said tapered surface of said tip to compress about said
feature disposed on said head of said screw, to frictionally secure
said screw.
40. The fastening system of claim 38, wherein said feature of said
screw is a cavity; and wherein said engagement member is configured
to selectively cause said tip to expand and contract; wherein said
expandable tip is configured to expand within said feature of said
screw to frictionally secure said screw.
41. The fastening system of claim 34, wherein selectively actuate
said tip includes selectively retract and advance said tip;
transitioning said tip from a locked position to an unlocked
position.
42. A fastening system comprising: a screwdriver including: a
handle having a proximal end and a distal end; a shaft including a
proximal and a distal end, wherein a proximal end of said shaft is
coupled to said distal end of said handle; a cap member disposed on
said proximal end of said handle; a tip disposed on said distal end
of said shaft; an engagement member pivotably disposed on said
handle, wherein said engagement member is coupled to said tip and
configured to selectively actuate said tip; wherein said cap member
includes a protrusion disposed on a distal end and said engagement
member includes a retention orifice; wherein said cap member is
configured to engage said engagement member via said retention
orifice in said engaged position; and wherein said cap member is
configured to release said engagement member from said engaged
position when said cap member is translated in a proximal direction
with respect to said handle. a screw including: a threaded shaft
including a proximal end and a distal end; and a head disposed on
said proximal end of said threaded shaft; wherein said head
includes at least one feature configured to be compressibly mated
with said tip when selectively actuated.
43. The fastening system of claim 42, wherein said at least one
feature protrudes from said head; and wherein said engagement
member is configured to selectively retract and advance said tip;
said tip including a surface, wherein retraction of said
retractable tip into said shaft compresses said retractable tip
causing said surface of said tip to compress about said feature
disposed on said head of said screw, to frictionally secure said
screw.
44. The fastening system of claim 42, wherein said tip includes two
or more tip members and said at least one feature being configured
to fit between said tip members.
45. The fastening system of claim 42, wherein said cap member
comprises a rotatable cap disposed on said proximal end of said
handle, said rotatable cap being rotatably coupled to said
handle.
46. The fastening system of claim 42, wherein said cap member is
configured to release said engagement member from an engaged
position when said cap member is translated in a proximal direction
with respect to said handle.
47. The fastening system of claim 42, wherein said head having a
maximum diameter; wherein said at least one feature is disposed
within said maximum diameter of said screw.
48. The fastening system of claim 47, wherein said shaft further
comprises a largest diameter; wherein said tip includes a largest
diameter; and wherein said largest diameter of said shaft and said
largest diameter of said tip are both at least as small as said
maximum diameter of said screw.
49. A method using a fastening system comprising: positioning a tip
of a screwdriver over at least one feature on a head of a screw in
a first open position; moving an engagement member of said
screwdriver into a second closed position locking said at least one
feature of said screw within said tip of said screwdriver;
positioning said screw in a desired location; moving said
engagement member to said first open position to unlock said tip
from said at least one feature of said screw; and removing said
screwdriver from said screw.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein said screwdriver comprises: a
handle having a proximal end and a distal end; a cap member
disposed on said proximal end of said handle; a shaft having a
proximal end and a distal end protruding from said distal end of
said handle; said tip disposed on said distal end of said shaft;
said engagement member pivotably disposed on said handle, wherein
said engagement member is coupled to said tip and configured to
selectively actuate said tip from said first open position to said
second closed position; said tip being configured to selectively
and compressibly secure a screw to said screwdriver when actuated;
wherein said cap member includes a protrusion disposed on a distal
end and said engagement member includes a retention orifice;
wherein said cap member is configured to engage said engagement
member via said retention orifice in said engaged position; and
wherein said cap member is configured to release said engagement
member from said engaged position when said cap member is
translated in a proximal direction with respect to said
handle..
51. The method of claim 49, wherein said screw comprises: a
threaded shaft including a proximal end and a distal end; and said
head disposed on said proximal end of said threaded shaft; wherein
said head includes said at least one feature configured to be
compressibly mated with said tip of said screwdriver.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/954,453
filed Aug. 7, 2007 titled "Locking Screw Driver Handle," which
application is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present exemplary system and method relate to locking
screwdrivers. More particularly, the present system relates to a
driver capable of locking onto various fasteners including screws,
nuts, bolts, etc. The present exemplary system and method also
includes a driver and corresponding screw wherein the driver locks
onto features that are located within the outer diameter of the
screw head, especially in surgical implant applications.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the surgical treatment of various conditions, including
the treatment of fractures, tumors, and degenerative conditions, it
is often desired to utilize bone screws to secure and stabilize
segments of the body. Many such conditions require a practitioner
to insert one or more screws into a patient and/or a medical
apparatus. As used in the present specification, and the appended
claim, the term "screw" should be interpreted broadly to include
any number of fastener devices including, but in no way limited to,
a screw, a nut, a bolt, or any other fastener used for securing one
or more inter-body elements.
[0004] During a number of procedures, it is desirable to secure a
medical apparatus, such as a bone plate, a rod, or a tulip
assembly, to a patient's bone. Traditionally, a bone screw is used
to secure such an apparatus to the patient's bone. A bone screw can
vary widely in design and may be configured for a specific
application. However, a screw typically includes a threaded shaft
and a head, wherein the head contains driving features. The driving
features located on the head of a screw are configured to be
engaged by the tip of a mating driving instrument. The driving
instrument can, via the interaction, drive the screw downward as
the threaded shaft of the screw is configured to enter into the
desired location and retain the screw therein.
[0005] While many traditional screw drivers and screw combinations
have been developed, there is a need for a driving instrument
capable of locking onto the head of a screw, being able to drive
the screw, and subsequently releasing the screw. More particularly,
in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques there is a need for
a driving instrument capable of driving a screw in a manner most
conducive to minimally impacting the surrounding tissue.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to one exemplary embodiment, the present system
and method includes a driving instrument including a handle, a
shaft, and a tip. The handle is configured with a lever, which when
actuated, causes the tip of the instrument to lock onto the head of
a corresponding screw. With the instrument locked onto the screw,
the screw can be driven into a desired location. According to one
exemplary embodiment, the handle includes an upper portion (a cap)
configured to swivel independently from the rest of the driving
instrument. The cap is configured to provide jeweler style driving;
that is, a constant pressure can be applied downward from the cap
while the driving instrument is rotated, thereby providing a
consistent downward force while driving the screw into the desired
location.
[0007] According to one exemplary embodiment, the cap can be
translated away from the handle portion in order to release the
lever and thereby release the tip from the head of screw.
Consequently, during operation, the driver can be removed once the
screw has been driven into the desired location.
[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment, a screw is
specifically configured to include a driving feature within the
outer diameter of the head of the screw. In such an embodiment, a
tip of the driving instrument compresses or frictionally connects
with features that are located within the outer diameter of the
screw head. This allows the tip and shaft of the driving instrument
to lock onto the screw securely while having a diameter at least as
small as the diameter of the head of the screw. This feature is
particularly useful in minimally invasive surgery (MIS).
[0009] According to one exemplary embodiment, the driving
instrument may be configured with various tips, each tip being
configured to mate with a corresponding screw driving feature. Such
common driving features include, but are in no way limited to,
Philips (cross-head), slot, Pozidriv, hexagonal (Allen Key),
Robertson (square), Torx, Tri-Wing, and hexalobe. According to
alternative exemplary embodiments, the tip of the driving
instrument is configured to engage and lock onto the outer
perimeter of the head of standard fasteners. In short, the present
exemplary system and method can be adapted for use with any
traditional or non-traditional screw, nut, bolt, or other fastener.
Of particular interest and novelty are those driver/screw
combinations that allow the tip of the driver to lock onto the
screw by compressing or grabbing a feature located within the outer
diameter of the screw head. Specific details are provided
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary
embodiments of the present system and method and are a part of the
specification. Together with the following description, the
drawings demonstrate and explain the principles of the present
system and method. The illustrated embodiments are examples of the
present system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.
[0011] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a driving instrument,
according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the driving
instrument of FIG. 1A, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary screw containing a
driving feature within the outer diameter of the screw head,
according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a view of a driving instrument prior to engaging a
screw, according to one exemplary embodiment
[0015] FIG. 4 is a close up view of the tip of the driving
instrument of FIG. 3, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a view of a driving instrument engaging a screw,
prior to locking onto the screw, according to one exemplary
embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a close up view of the tip of the driver of FIG. 5
prior to locking onto the screw, according to one exemplary
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 7A is a view of a driving instrument locked onto the
head of a screw, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional view of the driving
instrument of FIG. 7A, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a close up view of the tip of FIG. 7A illustrating
the tip of the driving instrument secured to the head of a screw,
according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates the cap of a driving instrument
translated away from the handle thereby releasing the lever and
consequently releasing the screw, according to one exemplary
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates the tip of a driving instrument and
corresponding screw, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates the tip of a driving instrument and
corresponding screw, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates the tip of a driving instrument and
corresponding screw, according to one exemplary embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method of securing a
driving instrument to the head of a screw, driving a screw, and
releasing the head of the screw, according to one exemplary
embodiment.
[0026] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify
similar, though not necessarily identical elements or features. The
sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various
elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these
elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing
legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as
drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the
actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely
selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. Throughout the
drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar but not
necessarily identical elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The present specification describes a system and a method
for locking a driver to a screw and thereafter driving the screw
into a desired location prior to release of the screw. According to
one exemplary embodiment, a system includes a driving instrument
(driver) comprising a swivel cap, a handle, a lever, a shaft, and a
tip configured to be mated with a screw. According to various
exemplary embodiments, the tip of the driver is configured to lock
onto the head of a screw. Specifically, according to one exemplary
embodiment, a system is provided including a driver having a tip
configured to lock onto the head of a screw by compressing or
frictionally engaging a driving feature located within the outer
diameter of the head of the screw. According to alternative
embodiments, the tip of the driver is configured to be mated with
various common driving features located on the head of common
fasteners, e.g. Philips head. According to various alternative
embodiments described below, the tip is configured to lock onto the
driving features of a screw by compressing the driving features.
Alternatively, the tip may be configured to expand and thereby
engage and lock onto the driving features of the screw.
[0028] Whether configured to lock by compressing or expanding, the
exemplary driver may then be rotated to impart a rotational force
and drive the screw into the desired location without risk that the
screw will detach from the driver. Subsequent to the desired
placement of the screw, the swivel cap located on the driver may be
translated away from the handle to release the screw from the tip.
Further details of the present exemplary system and method will be
provided below, with reference to the figures. While the figures
and the detailed description provided below provide a clear
understanding of the present system and method, it should be clear
that the figures and description are according to various exemplary
embodiments and do not limit the scope of the system and method in
any way.
[0029] In the following description, certain specific details are
set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
embodiments of the present system and a method for a locking driver
and a corresponding screw. However, it will be recognized that the
present exemplary system and method may be practiced without one or
more of these specific details, or with other methods, components,
materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures
associated with driving screws have not been shown or described in
detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the present
exemplary embodiments.
[0030] Unless otherwise noted, throughout the specification and the
appended claims, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such
as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open,
inclusive sense, that is as "including, but not limited to."
[0031] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an
embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. The appearance of the phrase
"in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not
necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the
particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined
in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0032] Additionally, the term "screw" should be interpreted broadly
to include any number of fastener devices including, but in no way
limited to, a screw, a nut, a bolt, or any other fastener typically
placed into a location by a translational force or by a rotation
force (e.g. a pin can be pushed downward into place, and a bone
screw can be rotated causing the threads to enter a bone).
[0033] A detailed description of the driver and its features,
according to several exemplary embodiments, is provided below. As
detailed below, the exemplary driver includes a handle, shaft, tip,
a means to lock the tip to a screw, and a means to release the tip
from a screw. A description of a screw is provided having a driving
feature within the outer diameter of the head; advantages of such a
screw and corresponding driver are described. Subsequently, several
alternative embodiments of the present system and method are
described. Various adaptations of the present system and method are
possible to accommodate for a wide variety of screws and
applications thereof.
Exemplary Structure
[0034] FIG. 1A provides a perspective view of an exemplary driver
(100). As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the driver (100), according to
one exemplary embodiment, includes a handle (130), a shaft (140), a
cap (110), a lever (120), and a tip (150). Each of the exemplary
elements of the driver (100) mentioned above will be described in
detail in conjunction with FIG. 1A. However, it should be
understood that FIG. 1A merely illustrates one exemplary embodiment
and many variations are possible. To better understand the
configuration of the driver (100), an overview of the function of
the driver (100) will be given in the form of an exemplary use
simultaneously with the description of each of the above-named
elements.
[0035] With the driver (100) in an initial position as shown in
FIG. 1A, the lever (120) is shown extending away from the handle
(130). The lever (120), as shown in FIG. 1A according to one
exemplary embodiment, is pivotably connected to the handle (130) by
a pivot pin (122). Additionally, according to one exemplary
embodiment, the lever (120) is also mechanically connected to the
tip (150) internally via any number of linking member(s) or
mechanism(s). According to one exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1A, the lever (120) is coupled to the tip (150) via a tip
actuation linkage (125). According to the configuration illustrated
in FIG. 1A, rotation of the lever (120) away from the handle (130)
pulls the tip actuation linkage toward the shaft (140), thereby
advancing the tip (150) and its accompanying linkage within the
shaft. As the tip (150) extends beyond the end of the shaft (140),
the tip is able to expand and/or move according to its geometric
limitations. Conversely, when the lever (120) is rotated about the
pivot pin (122) such that the lever (120) is placed against the
handle (130), the tip actuation linkage (125) is drawn away from
the shaft (140) causing the tip (150) and its accompanying linkage
to recess further into the shaft (140). When recessed into the
shaft (140), the tip (150) is forced into the internal diameter of
the shaft (140), thereby compressing the tip. When the driver (100)
is in an initial position, as shown in FIG. 1A, the driver is
configured to receive a screw (200).
[0036] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the driver
(100) of FIG. 1, according to one exemplary embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 1A, the cap (110) is formed within a center
orifice of the handle (130). As shown, the cap (110) includes a
protruding member that is retained within the center orifice of the
handle (130) by a cap spring member (165). According to one
exemplary embodiment, the cap spring member (165) retains the cap
(110) in its illustrated location, while allowing for a proximal
translation of the cap when a pulling force is exerted on the cap
(110). Upon the exertion of a pulling force, the cap spring member
(165) will be compressed until the force is released. Once the
pulling force is released, the spring will exert a restoring force
on the cap (110) and return it to its original position.
[0037] Continuing with the cap (110) construction illustrated in
FIG. 1A, the cap terminates with a plunger member (160) having a
lever engagement protrusion (162). Furthermore, as illustrated in
FIG. 1A, the lever (120) includes a mating retention orifice (167)
defined therein. According to one exemplary embodiment, when the
cap (110) is in its natural position, as illustrated in FIG. 1A,
the plunger member (160) having a lever engagement protrusion (162)
are positioned such that the lever engagement protrusion will
engage with the mating retention orifice (167) to retain the lever
(120) when rotated flush with the handle (130).
[0038] Furthermore, FIG. 1A illustrates the internal components
contained within the handle (130) and the shaft (140) to facilitate
selective actuation of the tip (150). As illustrated, the tip
actuation linkage (125) is rotatably coupled to an internal tip
translation member (180), which terminates on a distal end at the
tip (150). As shown, a bias is provided as a restoring force to the
tip translation member (180) and the handle (120) via a plurality
of springs (170, 172) selectively positioned on a proximal end of
the internal tip translation member (180). Further details of the
construction and operation of the exemplary driver (100) will be
provided below.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary screw configured to mate
with and be actuated by the driver of FIG. 1A. As illustrated in
FIG. 2, the screw (200) includes, according to one exemplary
embodiment, a head portion (220) and a shaft portion (240). As
shown, a driving feature (210) is disposed on the head (220) of the
screw. The screw (200) may have any number of additional driving
features (215) used to drive the screw (200) when rotated. The head
(220) is attached to a shaft (240) generally comprising threads
(230) useful for penetrating the desired location. The screw (200)
may also include a tip (250) on a distal end thereof. According to
various alternative embodiments, the tip (250) may be flat or
rounded. The screw (200) may alternatively be any one of a variety
of fasteners mentioned above, including a self-taping bone
screw.
[0040] Proceeding to FIG. 3, according to one exemplary embodiment,
the driver (100) is shown immediately prior to the securement of a
screw (200). As shown, the lever (120) is extended causing the tip
(150) to be open in a screw-receiving position. A close up view of
the interaction between the tip (150) and the screw (200) is shown
in FIG. 4. While FIG. 4 provides specific details of the
configuration of the tip (150) and the head (220) of a screw (200),
according to one exemplary embodiment, any number of modifications
may be made on either the tip and/or the head of the screw to
facilitate the interaction described herein. According to the
exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the tip (150) extends
from the shaft (140) due to a translational force imparted on it by
the tip actuation linkage (125; FIG. 3) in response to a rotation
of the lever (120; FIG. 3) about the pivot pin (122; FIG. 3).
According to one embodiment, the tip (150) comprises two
compressive tip members (410, 420), which, in the screw-receiving
position, are separated and create an opening (450) configured to
receive a driving feature (210) located on the head (220) of the
screw (200). The tip (150) is configured to receive the driving
feature (210) and subsequently secure the screw (200) preventing
the release thereof until desired.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates the initial steps of securing a screw
(200) within the tip (150) of the driver (100). It should be noted
that the lever (120) is extended causing the tip (150) to remain in
a screw-receiving position. While in this position, the exemplary
screw (200) is then placed between the first compressive member
(410) and the second compressive member (420). That is, the driving
feature (210) of the screw (200) is placed within and received by
the gap (450) defined by the compressive members (410, 420). The
reception of the screw (200) is detailed in FIG. 6, which
illustrates a close up view of the driver/screw combination shown
in FIG. 5. According to one exemplary embodiment, while in this
position (FIGS. 5 and 6) the screw (200) is not fully locked to the
driver (100), but it is possible to rotate the driver (100) and
drive the screw (200) into the desired location without the screw
being fully locked. That is, some screw retaining compressive force
may be imparted onto the screw (200) by the compressive members
(410, 420) in the position illustrated in FIG. 6. This slight
compressive force provides for initial retention of the screw
(200). However, this screw retaining compressive force may be
easily overcome to facilitate the selective release of the screw
(200). The features (215, FIG. 2) on the head of the screw (200)
are engaged by the tip (150) of the driver (100) even when a screw
(200) is not fully locked within the tip (150) of the driver (100).
According to alternative embodiments, it may be desirable to fully
lock the screw (200) prior to being able to drive the screw
(200).
[0042] Once the screw (200) is placed within the tip (150) of the
driver (100), as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is ready to be locked
in place. FIG. 7A illustrates the present system in an engaged and
locked configuration, according to one exemplary embodiment. In
contrast to the screw reception position illustrated in FIG. 5, in
FIG. 7A the lever (120) has been engaged, that is, it has been
rotated about the pivot pin (122) such that the lever is
substantially flush with the surface of the handle (130) and the
lever engagement protrusion (162, FIG. 1B) is seated in the mating
retention orifice (167; FIG. 1B).
[0043] Further, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, the full rotation of the
lever (120) engages the lever engagement protrusion (162) into the
mating retention orifice (167) defined by the lever (120).
According to one exemplary embodiment, engagement of the engagement
protrusion (162) with the mating retention orifice (167) is
facilitated by the translation of the cap (110). Alternatively, the
plunger member (160) may be formed of a pliable material that
deforms to receive the mating retention orifice. Furthermore, as
illustrated in FIG. 7B, when the lever (120) is in the locked
position, the internal tip translation member (180) is retracted,
along with the tip (150), thereby compressing the spring (170).
[0044] As shown in the figures, the lever (120) is the actuation
means by which the tip (150) is controlled and placed in either an
open, screw-receiving position, or a closed, screw-securing
position. Specifically, as illustrated above, rotation of the lever
(120) about the pivot pin (122) such that the lever is
substantially flush with the, handle (130) selectively translates
the tip actuation linkage (125), thereby retracting the coupled tip
(150) into the shaft (140). Various alternative embodiments of the
present exemplary system may utilize a variety of means to control
the tip (150), it is not necessary to utilize exclusively a lever
(120); alternative embodiments may include a button, a spring, a
switch, a slide, or any combination of the previously mentioned
items and the like in place of the lever (120).
[0045] Returning to FIG. 7A, it can be seen that the lever (120)
has been rotated about the pivot pin (122) downward into the handle
(130). According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.
7A, rotation of the lever (120) retracts the tip actuation linkage
(125), drawing the tip (150) into the internal diameter of the
shaft (140). Specifically, the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 7A includes a tapered tip (150) which contracts against the
internal surface of the shaft (140), thereby compressing and
securing the screw (200) to the driver (100). The interaction with
the tip (150) and the screw (200) can be best seen in FIG. 8.
[0046] As is illustrated in FIG. 8, the opposing compressive
members (410, 420) contract in response to engagement of the lever
(120). The compressive members (410, 420) compress the driving
feature(s) (210) located on the head (220) of the screw (200).
According to one exemplary embodiment, the compressive force
imparted on the driving feature(s) (210) by the compressible
members (410, 420) is sufficient to create a high level of
friction, thereby fully locking the screw (200) to the driver
(100). Additionally, according to alternative embodiments, as shown
in FIG. 8, the driving feature (210) on the screw (200) may be
tapered inward. In such an embodiment, the compressive plates (410,
420) may be configured with corresponding tapered ends (610, 620,
FIG. 6). According to this embodiment, the tapered portions act to
provide a better securement of the screw (200).
[0047] As shown in FIG. 7A, with the screw (200) secured to the
driver (100), the screw (200) can now be easily driven into the
desired location by rotating the driver (100). The handle (130)
provides a convenient surface for rotating the driver (100). The
shaft (140) is much thinner than the handle (140) allowing the
screw (200) to be inserted within small openings. According to the
exemplary embodiment illustrated throughout the drawings, a
distinct advantage of the present system and method is that the tip
(150) secures the screw (200) within the outer diameter of the head
(220) of the screw (200). Consequently, according to various
embodiments, the tip (150) and the shaft (140) are configured with
a diameter equal to or smaller than the largest diameter of the
screw (200). This provides several advantages over the prior art,
especially in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) applications.
[0048] An exemplary application of the present system and method is
one in which a screw must be placed within an opening wherein the
opening is only as wide as the screw itself. In such an application
it might be impossible to insert a traditional screwdriver and
secure the screw. Furthermore, a traditional screwdriver cannot
mechanically lock the screw to the driver. The present system and
method allows the screw to be fully secured to the driver prior to
the insertion of the screw while still maintaining the smallest
possible diameter.
[0049] As has been previously mentioned, according to one exemplary
embodiment, the driver (100) is configured with a swivel cap (110)
as is best illustrated in FIG. 9. According to one exemplary
embodiment, the cap can be rotated independent from the handle
(130), shaft (140), and tip (150). Particularly, according to one
exemplary embodiment, the swivel cap (110) may be coupled to the
driver by bearings or another friction eliminating device. This
allows the screw (200) to be inserted with a jeweler style swivel
cap. One advantage of such a swivel cap (110) is that the operator
can provide a constant downward pressure while the handle (130) is
rotated to drive a screw (200). Another advantage is the ease with
which an operator can use the driver (100) with only one hand. With
such a swivel cap (110) and driver (100) as has been described thus
far, one-handed operation is trivial.
[0050] According to one exemplary embodiment, a cap, or a swivel
cap (110) as is illustrated is also configured to provide a
releasing means. When the cap (110) is translated away from the
handle (130) (compare FIG. 1A and FIG. 9), the cap causes the lever
(120) to be released. Particularly, according to one exemplary
embodiment, the swivel cap (110) is coupled to the handle (130) by
a spring loaded shaft (910) configured to maintain the swivel cap
against the handle (130) until a pulling force is exerted on the
swivel cap. The release of the lever (120) consequently allows the
tip (150) to expand thereby releasing the screw (200). Accordingly,
once the screw (200) has been driven into the desired location, the
cap (110) can be pulled, translating the cap (110) away from the
handle (130) and releasing the screw (200) from the tip (150). The
driver (100) can then be easily removed from the location.
[0051] Clearly, if it is desired to remove a previously driven
screw (200), the driver (100) can be inserted into the location
with the tip (150) in an open, screw-receiving position, as is
shown in FIG. 6. Once the tip (150) encounters the screw (200) the
lever (120) can be engaged (see FIG. 7A) locking the screw to the
driver and allowing the screw (200) to be removed.
[0052] While the preceding description has closely followed the
drawings and has presented several exemplary embodiments of the
present system and method, many variations and adaptations are
possible and likely desirable. FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 provide several
alternative exemplary embodiments. While a vast number of readily
obvious variations are possible, only two are shown. FIG. 10 is a
close up view of a driver tip (150) and screw (200) similar to the
one previously described. All of the previously described tip/screw
head interactions have included a tip (150) that compresses a
driving feature (210) within an outer diameter of the head of the
screw (200). While this may be advantageous, it may also be desired
to accommodate alternative screw types.
[0053] Shown in FIG. 11, according to one alternative exemplary
embodiment, is a tip (1100) on the end of the shaft (1140) of a
driver that could be configured similar to that of FIG. 1A. The tip
(1100) according to the exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, is
configured with two compressional sections (1120, 1110) that act to
compress the outer perimeter of the head (1170) of a screw (1180).
The screw (1180) is illustrated beside the tip (1100) in the
illustration. As illustrated, this alternative embodiment includes
an octagonal screw head; consequently the tip (1100) is configured
with an opening (1150) having eight corresponding sides. The tip
(1100) of FIG. 11 would function nearly identical to the driver
previously described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-9. That is, an
operator might insert the tip (1100) onto the head (1170) of the
screw (1180), engage a lever thereby locking the screw (1180)
within the tip (1100), and subsequently drive the screw (1180) into
the desired location. Similar alternative embodiments might include
various shapes that compress around the outer perimeter of the head
of a screw; such as round, hexagonal, pentagonal, square, hexalobe,
star, and other polygonal shapes. Furthermore, each of the
corresponding screw heads may include tapered sides to enhance the
engagement of the screw head.
[0054] Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 12.
According to this exemplary embodiment, the tip (1200) is
configured to be inserted into an opening (1275) in the head (1270)
of a screw (1280) and subsequently expand thereby locking the screw
(1280) to the driver. The tip (1200) is shown as being configured
to be inserted into an octagonal opening as is illustrated (1275).
According to this exemplary embodiment the tip (1200) is inserted
into the opening (1275). Once the tip (1200) is within the opening
(1275), the lever is engaged causing the tip (1200) expand within
the opening (1275). The opposing plates (1220, 1230) expand against
the internal walls of the opening (1275) creating an interference
fit and locking the screw (1280) to the driver. The driver can then
be rotated to drive the screw (1280) into a desired location.
[0055] The preceding description includes several variations of the
system and method according to various embodiments; however, it
should be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that many
more variations are possible. A driver configured with a tip
capable of locking a screw to the driver by either compressing an
outer perimeter of the screw, expanding within a cavity in the
screw, or compressing a driving feature within an outer diameter of
the screw can be configured with any number of shapes or tapers to
facilitate both locking the screw to the driver and/or driving the
screw into a desired location.
[0056] According to one alternative embodiment, as has been
previously discussed, the means to actuate the tip may include
various alternative actuators and not exclusively a lever.
Additionally, the means to release the lever and the tip is
described in FIGS. 1-9 as being a swivel cap. Alternative
embodiments may or may not include a cap of any sort. Alternative
means to release the lever could include, pulling the lever itself,
a button, a switch or any other conceivable means. A swivel cap may
be present that is not used to release the lever, but is
exclusively used to provide jeweler style rotation.
[0057] Additionally, as previously discussed, while the preceding
description specifically discusses a screw, an obvious substitution
can be made incorporating a bolt, nut, or other fastener.
Consequently, depending on the fastener used, it may not be
necessary to rotate the driver to insert the fastener. For example,
in the event a pin is used, the pin may be secured to the driver in
any one of the manners described above and subsequently driven into
a desired location with or without rotation of the driver. The
novelty of simply securing the pin or other fastener to the driver
may be advantageous for a specific application. Specifically, the
novelty of securing a fastener of any type within a largest
diameter of the fastener may be advantageous in that the diameter
of the driver, or a portion of it, can be as small or smaller than
the diameter of the fastener.
[0058] The above detailed description of the elements of the
present system according to various exemplary embodiments is
provided to allow one of reasonable skill in the art to appreciate
the novelty of the system. Below is found a description of one
exemplary method and is exemplified in the flow diagram of FIG. 13.
Throughout the description the identifying numbers refer to FIGS.
1-9, while it should be apparent that the alternative embodiments
described, and those that are not, may be used with slight
modifications to the exemplary method found below.
Exemplary Method
[0059] As is shown in FIG. 13, according to one exemplary
embodiment, the tip (150) of a driver (100) is positioned on the
head (220) of a screw (200) with a lever (120) or other
tip-actuating means in a first open position (Step 1, FIG. 5). By
moving the lever (120) or other tip-actuating means into a second
closed position, the tip (150) contracts around a driving feature
located on the screw (200) creating an interference fit and thereby
locking the screw (200) to the tip (150) of the driver (100).
According to various embodiments the driving feature may include an
outer perimeter (see FIG. 11) of the head (220) of the screw (200),
a driving feature (210) within an outer diameter of the head (220)
of the screw (200), or alternatively the tip (1250) may expand
within a cavity (1270) and thereby lock the head (1270) of a screw
(1280) to the tip (1200). Regardless, the tip (150) engages and
locks a screw (200) to the driver (100) (Step 2, FIG. 7A).
According to several embodiments, the tip (150) includes tapered
portions (610, 620) to assist in fully securing the screw, the
screw (200) contains tapered portions (210) for the same purpose,
or both the screw (200) and the tip (150) contain tapered
portions.
[0060] The driver (100) is now ready to drive a screw (200) into a
desired location. The driver (100) may be rotated to drive a
threaded screw (200), or alternatively it might be simply pushed
into a location inserting a fastener of another type into the
desired location, such as a pin. According to several exemplary
embodiments, the driver (100) is configured with a swivel cap (110)
allowing an operator to use the driver in a jeweler style manner
(Step 3).
[0061] With the screw (200) inserted into the desired location, the
lever (120), or other tip-actuating means, can be disengaged (see
FIG. 9). The disengagement of the lever (120) causes the tip (150)
to release the screw (Step 4). The driver (100) can now be removed
leaving the screw (200) in the desired location (Step 5). According
to one exemplary embodiment, the lever (120) is disengaged by
translating the swivel cap (110) away from the handle (130) of the
driver (100) (see FIG. 9). Alternatively the lever (120) or other
tip-actuating means might be disengaged by any number of
lever-releasing means.
[0062] According to one alternative embodiment, the driver (100) is
configured to accommodate various tips, each being configured to
interact with specific screws. According to this embodiment, a
plurality of tips may be interchangeably used with a single
driver.
[0063] According to alternative embodiment, the driver (100) may be
configured with internal mechanisms allowing only a specific or
user specified torque to be applied to the screw. This is common in
a typical torque wrench and would be an obvious modification to the
present exemplary system and method. Alternatively the screw (200)
may be configured with driving features that only allow a specific
torque to be applied. According to one exemplary embodiment, the
screw's driving features could break at a specifically engineered
torque. Because the driver locks onto the broken portion, the screw
would be driven into the location at the specified torque and upon
removal of the driver the broken piece(s) would be removed.
[0064] According to one embodiment, tapered portions of either the
tip (150) of the driver or the driving feature(s) on the screw
(200) are configured in such a way so as to provide a sufficient
surface for locking the screw to the driver only up to a specified
torque. That is, at a certain torque the interference fit created
by the tip and the driving features will be insufficient to secure
the screw to the driver; the amount of torque necessary to reach
such a breakpoint may be tailored for specific applications.
[0065] In conclusion the present exemplary system and method
provide for a locking driver capable of locking a screw and driving
the screw into a desired location. The present system and method
may be configured according to various exemplary embodiments;
however, according to one embodiment, the driver secures the screw
within an outer perimeter of the screw. Consequently, the driver,
or a portion of it, may have a perimeter equal to or smaller than
the greatest diameter of the screw. This is particularly useful for
minimally invasive surgery (MIS). According to one exemplary
embodiment the driver is configured for one-handed use.
[0066] The preceding description has been presented only to
illustrate and describe the present method and system. It is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present system and method
to any precise form disclosed. Many modification and variations are
possible in light of the above teachings.
[0067] The foregoing embodiments were chosen and described to
illustrate principles of the system and method as well as some
practical applications. The preceding description enables others
skilled in the art to utilize the method and system in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
present exemplary system and method be defined by the following
claims.
* * * * *